Renting a limo can be a great time for everyone involved and can actually be done for cheap if you have enough people to chip in. However, if you fail to plan and end up making mistakes along the way, then you will have less than an experience of a lifetime, although you could have a permanent bad memory. Make sure that doesn't happen to you by going through the steps necessary to choose a good limo and limo company for your next special occasion. We've assembled a list of some of the best tools and tips of the trade, so enjoy.

Make sure that you call around to check the prices and any specials that companies might have. There is nothing worse than paying for a limo only to find out that you could have saved half of what you spent by going somewhere else. Rather than deal with that frustration, check around for the best prices and even go in person so that you can try and convince them to give you a better deal. You can also check in local phone books and coupon books to see if you can find any specials or coupons. Don't be afraid to check online either as many companies offer online only specials and rates.

Make sure you visit the company before you pay so you can see the quality of their limos up front and in person. You don't want to save money if it means getting a trashy or banged up vehicle, so do your part to make sure it doesn't happen by checking the limo out first. This can prevent you from becoming the bad guy when your friends all counted on you to come through. Make sure you ask them to show you the exact limo that you will be given and make sure that it stipulates that in the contract. Don't let them pull the bait and switch on you.

Check all the rules and regulations to make sure you will be able to see what you want and go where you want to go. If you plan on partying in the limo only to find out that the limo doesn't allow you to drink, then your night could be ruined. Also make sure that there are not any restrictions on where and when you can go places. Doing research on the rules ahead of time can make a big difference.

If you want to rent a limo for your next special occasion, then provided you follow the rules and go through the necessary research to choose the right limo, then you are going to have a wonderful time. Your friends and our family will never forget the times that you had and the memories that you create in the process. Just make sure that you arrive back in time and treat the driver with courtesy. Tip the driver when you are finished and make sure that you clean up after yourselves. Next time they will remember the way you treated them, good or bad.